97 Acura Integra Manual Transmission Fluid

The 1997 Acura Integra manual transmission requires specific fluid types and maintenance procedures to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Proper fluid selection, capacity, and change intervals are crucial for smooth shifting and transmission protection. Below are key sections covering fluid specifications, capacity, change procedures, troubleshooting, and maintenance recommendations.

Recommended Fluid Types

Proper fluid selection is essential for 1997 Acura Integra manual transmission performance and durability.

Fluid Type	Specification
Honda MTF	Original equipment manufacturer recommended
GM Synchromesh	Alternative option for improved shifting
Red Line MTL	Synthetic option for extreme conditions
Pennzoil Synchromesh	Budget-friendly alternative
10W-30 Motor Oil	Emergency use only (not recommended)

Transmission Fluid Capacity

Understanding proper fluid capacity ensures correct filling and prevents damage.

Total Capacity: 2.2 quarts (2.1 liters)
Drain and Refill: 1.9 quarts (1.8 liters)
Fluid Type: Honda Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF)
Change Interval: Every 30,000 miles or 2 years

NOTE: Overfilling can cause seal damage and fluid leaks.

Fluid Change Procedure

Step-by-step guide for proper transmission fluid replacement.

Park on level surface and engage parking brake
Locate drain plug (bottom) and fill plug (side) of transmission
Place drain pan under transmission
Remove fill plug first to ensure drain plug can be removed
Remove drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely
Clean drain plug and reinstall with new washer
Fill transmission with recommended fluid until it drips from fill hole
Reinstall fill plug with new washer
Check for leaks and test drive vehicle

WARNING! Use jack stands; never work under vehicle supported only by jack.

Tools and Materials Required

Proper tools ensure safe and efficient fluid change procedure.

Tool	Specification
Socket Set	3/8" drive with 17mm and 24mm sockets
Torque Wrench	For proper plug tightening
Drain Pan	Minimum 3-quart capacity
Fluid Pump	For easy fluid transfer
Jack and Jack Stands	For safe vehicle lifting
New Washers	Drain and fill plug copper washers
Gloves and Safety Glasses	Personal protection equipment

Checking Fluid Level

Regular fluid level checks help prevent transmission damage.

Park vehicle on level surface
Clean area around fill plug before removal
Remove fill plug (24mm) from transmission side
Fluid should be level with bottom of fill hole
If low, add fluid until it begins to drip out
Reinstall fill plug with new washer
Tighten to 33 ft-lbs (45 Nm)

CAUTION! Check fluid when transmission is cool to avoid burns.

Common Symptoms of Bad Fluid

Recognizing symptoms helps prevent major transmission repairs.

Difficulty Shifting: Grinding or resistance when changing gears
Transmission Noise: Whining or grinding sounds in neutral
Fluid Leaks: Reddish fluid under transmission area
Burning Smell: Overheated fluid odor
Discolored Fluid: Dark, cloudy, or metallic particles in fluid
Gear Pop-out: Transmission pops out of gear during operation

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures transmission longevity and performance.

Maintenance Item	Interval
Fluid Level Check	Every oil change (5,000 miles)
Fluid Change	Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Transmission Inspection	Every 15,000 miles
Clutch Fluid	Check every 7,500 miles
Shift Linkage	Lubricate every 30,000 miles

Troubleshooting Transmission Issues

Common transmission problems and their solutions.

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Hard shifting	Old/wrong fluid, clutch issues	Change fluid, check clutch system
Grinding noise	Low fluid, worn synchronizers	Check level, inspect synchronizers
Fluid leaks	Worn seals, loose plugs	Replace seals, tighten plugs
Will not shift into gear	Clutch hydraulic failure	Check clutch master/slave cylinder
Transmission overheats	Low fluid, heavy use	Check level, allow cooling period

Safety Precautions

Important safety measures when working with transmission fluid.

Always use jack stands - never rely on hydraulic jack alone
Wear safety glasses and gloves when handling fluids
Work in well-ventilated area to avoid fume inhalation
Allow transmission to cool before draining hot fluid
Dispose of used fluid properly at recycling center
Clean spills immediately to prevent slips and environmental damage

WARNING! Transmission fluid is slippery and flammable - keep away from ignition sources.

OEM Specifications

Original equipment manufacturer specifications and requirements.

Honda Part Number: 08200-9006 (MTF)
API Classification: GL-4 or better
Viscosity: 10W-30 equivalent
Drain Plug Torque: 33 ft-lbs (45 Nm)
Fill Plug Torque: 33 ft-lbs (45 Nm)
Color: Light amber when new
Service Limit: Replace if dark or contaminated

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about 1997 Acura Integra manual transmission fluid.

Question	Answer
Can I use automatic transmission fluid?	No, use only manual transmission fluid
How often should I change fluid?	Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
What happens if I overfill?	Can cause seal damage and leaks
Can different brands be mixed?	Not recommended - stick to one type
Is synthetic fluid better?	Yes, provides better protection in extreme conditions

Technical Support: Contact Acura dealer or certified mechanic for specific concerns.